Russell Westbrook closing in on Michael Jordan's impressive record

At this point, we probably shouldn’t be too surprised when we hear that Russell Westbrook accomplishes some sort of statistical feat.

Entering play on January 12, Westbrook leads the NBA in triple-doubles this season with 14. He’s leading the league with 10 assists per game and ranks seventh in the NBA in scoring with 25.1 points per game.

However, one thing that continues to be overlooked as it relates to Westbrook is the fact that he is averaging 2.05 steals per game—second in the league trailing only his teammate Paul George. But even when Westbrook isn’t coming away with a steal, he still finds way to disrupt the opposition’s offense with his hustle plays. He ranks first in the NBA in loose balls recovered per game (1.9) and third in deflections per game (3.6).

Anywho, much has been said of Westbrook seeming to have found his way on the offensive end with his new teammates. While the Thunder have struggled recently, Westbrook’s statistical production over the last six weeks has been fantastic.

Since Dec. 1, the league’s reigning MVP is averaging 27.6 points, 10 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game. He’s also shooting 46 percent from the field.

However, what’s even more impressive is his consistency. He has recorded 12 consecutive 20-point double-doubles, and for a guard, that’s incredible.

Historically speaking, it’s been easier for big men to record double-doubles. No matter the position, though, collecting double-doubles while scoring 20 points is very difficult – yet Westbrook makes it look easy.

For example, Kevin Love holds the record with a mind-numbing 53 consecutive double-doubles, but not all of them came with 20 points. In fact, Love never recorded more than 13 consecutive 20-point double-doubles.

Russell Westbrook has recorded 12 straight 20-point double-doubles for the @okcthunder, the longest such streak by a guard since Michael Jordan had 15 in a row in 1988-89. #ThunderUp

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Moke Hamilton

Moke Hamilton is the Editor and Lead Writer for OKC Thunder Wire. Based in New York City, Moke is entering his seventh season covering the NBA and previously worked for Turner Sports and NBC Universal prior to joining the USA Today Sports Media Group. He can be heard on the air at 98.7FM ESPN New York where he resides as a studio contributor and also currently serves as a Deputy Editor for BasketballInsiders.com.